When Symon takes over Shiftr Inc, he reminds himself that while he might be a corporate raider, he's not an uncivilized wolf. Which is why when he meets tech expert Adrian, his response surprises him.
Adrian is okay with being a lone wolf who's good at code and who has a Pallas cat for a bestie. Really. He never has needed other wolves. So when he meets the new boss, he's shocked at how close he wants to get.
The two of them have to band together to fight both a threat to the company and to their new relationship, and deal with Symon's meddling brothers at the same time. Can they prove that it okay to be a werewolf knight in shining armor?
Minerva Howe is the kinky alter ego of author Julia Talbot. Julia lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Samhain as well as other publishing houses. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved.
Symon takes over Shiftr, Inc., and at a meet and greet with his new staff meets Adrian, the sweet omega and tech whiz whose coding skills had intrigued Symon since purchasing the company.
The pair are instantly drawn to each other, with Adrian doing his best to fight his attraction, but when a threat not only to the company but Adrian arises, Symon realizes the sarcastic omega is his mate.
I felt so bad for Adrian. His life gets turned upside down in more ways than one, but his reliance and trust in Symon was really sweet and I really enjoyed their dynamic. I’m not usually an instalove fan, but this was pretty cute. Plus the drama and suspense had me hooked!
Werewolves, to me, are the Mac n cheese of shifter books. Classic, simple, nostalgic, and comforting. So I'm pretty pleased we get a werewolves series from Minerva. I love her dragon, but her wolves are good and deserve love too. Ans this book was really good. The plot was complete yet uncomplicated, which made for a very relaxing yet interesting book. And the romance is, in true Minerva fashion, sweet and fulfilling
If you like humor, intrigue, fated mates, klutzy tech geeks, and a crazy combination of siblings, this book is for you. Symon is a successful businessman (wolf) trying to find his Zen and shake the not-so-stellar stereotype of his kind. He's smart, savvy, and knows how to treat his employees right. He is able to find the humor in nearly any situation, even when an adorably klutzy member of his new tech department accidentally splatters greasy bacon and sticky pancakes with syrup all over his favorite designer suit the very first day on the job. What he does not find funny is the middle management bully that creates the whole splatter situation to begin with.
Symon is likable from the very start because he is willing to face down those that would take advantage of others while laughing at his own foibles. He is all business in the boardroom while also bailing out his biker bar owning brother from jail because he broke a chair over the head of a bar patron who was talking smack about omegas. He has a big heart and a crazy family - which makes him so very easy to identify with.
Adrian would rather stare at computer code all day than interact with people. He is literally a lone wolf omega. But it's because of his computer wizardry that shiftr.com is such an amazing success. He is awkward in social settings, frequently experiences impostor syndrome, but is fiercely loyal to his friends. It's his bravery beyond his own discomfort that is so endearing. He becomes the perfect foil for Symon's tendency to become overprotective and bossy.
While a fated mate story, there is still a lot of attention paid to the development of Symon and Adrian's relationship. Symon always goes at Adrian's pace and makes sure of concent every step of the way. Adrian is new to the whole concept of mates and pack as a positive thing, but he does his best to be open-minded and accepting because he can tell how important it is to Symon.
Throw in some corporate espionage and sabotage, arson, and a generous portion of snarky humor, and you have a delightful story and a wonderful addition to Minerva Howe's lexicon This book is a pleasure to read, and the characters are an absolute joy to get to know.
Recommended for fans of Ms. Howe's other works, as well as Taylor Rylan, Susi Hawke, and Jill Haven.
*I received a free eARC of this book via GRR. This review is entirely my own opinion and is given without compensation.*
This is my first foray into Minerva Howe’s stories, and the blurb on this one caught my attention. Not only because werewolves are my favorite, but because of the mention of a Pallas cat (who is Adrian’s best friend.) I was expecting a quick, easy read filled with engaging characters, and that’s exactly what I got.
The story is lacking a bit in the world building department, and I would have liked to see some more explanation about how this particular world works. There were no mention of humans, and I’m not sure if it’s an alternate universe or simply because no one connected to the characters was human. But that being said, the story works pretty well without the in-depth world building. The host of characters keep the story moving forward and the added mystery is a nice touch.
❤️5+++ stars A gorgeous book to read, I can't wait for the next in the series. The first book in the Werewolf Knight series A slow start to the book as Symon ready's for the day with meditation. Symon was about to take over shifter inc. as CEO. He was a particular werewolf who didn't like the running wild expect of a shifter.
Adrian was the tec person in the company who was ordered to meet with the ceo. Adrian was an omega just wanting to complete his project.
I think the phrase “Dont mess with a puma” fits this perfectly as scenes play out. I loved how the author smoothly places them close together as the story progresses so that their mate bond just slips into place. There’s a danger element which threatens Adrian that Symons’ Alpha takes the protective roll. I loved the telepathy dialogue between the two characters. Loved the sexy knotty scenes and well everything about this book.
Werewolf in Shining Armor by Minerva Howe is the first book in here Werewolf Knights series. It is the story of two werewolves, alpha and omega, who work at the same company, one who is the son of a pack alpha and who has just taken it over, and the other a lone wolf tech genius who find love under a difficult situation. Symon Lukos of Boulder, Colorado, has just bought out and become the CEO of Shiftr.com, the holding company of the community’s most up and coming coal media platform. He considers himself to be logical, reasonable, and sophisticated and practices yoga and meditates. This is the complete opposite of his brothers, Rian and Quin, who like to be in their wolf forms and do “wolfy” things to others. Adrian Blaidd works in the tech department of the company and is the best at his job of coding and troubleshooting when things go wrong. When he is at a brunch to meet the new boss, Carl, a mean puma shifter who has information on others that make them bow to his demands, bullies him and Isaac, his Pallas cat friend, but Adrian stands up to him. Symon sees what is happening and takes Carl into his office and he gets fired, along with a couple of his cronies. Adrian also spills a plate of food on Symon and instead of being mad he finds him intriguing. They talk and then some of the code that Adrian is working on goes wonky and Symon wonders if someone is trying to sabotage what they are working on and he won’t stand for it when innovation is at stake. He also worries that Adrian could become the subject of an attack so he takes him to his home to stay and protect him and when they share some pizza it turns into a very hot love scene and Symon realizes that Adrian is his mate. They being bonding and both want to explore their relationship but then something happens at Adrian’s building and Symon calls in his brothers to help him find out what is going on, a job they are very willing to do, especially since they get to be their wolfy selves. Isaac also comes to stay with them so he can be protected and Symon’s father, the pack alpha, also makes an appearance. They all believe Carl is behind what is happening and go out to confront him with surprising results. Then they all go on a pack run and Symon realizes that being zen is stressful and he is going to be a pack alpha and that he wasn’t appalled at being a wolf and Adriann knew he had a pack and that he wasn’t alone any more. I really enjoyed this story. It was somewhat lighthearted, even though there were some darker moments in it. Symon was just trying to be controlled and not lose his head during the full moon and wanted everyone to see him as debonair. Adrian had been ignored and left alone for so long when he was young, he left and thought that he would always be a lone wolf. This changed when he met Symon and then realized that they were mates and falling in love. I liked all the people who worked at Shiftr.com as there were every kind of shifter imaginable there. And Symon’s brothers added to the fun as their personalities were opposite of his, yet they all loved and would do anything for each other. The story line ends on a cliffhanger as we still need to find out who is sabotaging the company and I’m looking forward to reading the next book to find out more. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like shifter stories with boss/employee and opposites attract themes that have something dangerous happening in the background and two men who find love when they least expect it.
This is the first book in a new series centered around wolf shifter Symon and the company he just purchased, Shiftr Inc (think Facebook for shifters). Adrian is a coder for the site and is in charge of improvements to the code as well as fixing problems that may be attacks on the company for unknown reasons. When Adrian meets Symon, he plans to stay away from his wolf boss, but best laid plans fall through. After a long night of fixing problems with the code with Symon by his side, Adrian ends up being taken to Symon’s home to rest, Symon having realized Adrian is his mate, his to care for. While there, attacks on the code continue and an apparent attack aimed at Adrian occurs, prompting Symon to hunt for the perpetrator, enlisting the help of his brothers to protect his mate and solve the attack on his company.
Characters are interesting with strong personalities and varied skill sets. Symon and Adrian accept their status as mates and Symon’s brothers show up with their skills to assist the efforts to protect the company and employees. It’s a HEA for Symon and Adrian but a cliffhanger for who is attacking the company and why. There is also the possibility of mates for books about Isaac, Quin, Rian, Cy, and hopefully a backstory and mate for Stan. It will be interesting to see where the series goes and which character is up next. Not a long read but an entertaining one.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
A good start to a new shifter series from Minerva Howe. This one starts with Symon, alpha wolf who has recently purchased a new company, an online space for shifters. There he meets omega and coder, Adrian, where both feel some sort of instant connection but time to take things slow isn't on their side as someone attacks the coding. Symon is determined to keep his new company and Adrian safe, and with so much going on, it makes sense to bring him back to his home. If they happen to spend more time together and get closer during that time, well that's hardly unfortunate. Symon is surprised by the alpha instincts that come to the front, given how much time he spends trying to calm his wolf nature but Adrian calls to him in ways no one else ever has. Adrian also can't deny the draw but having been a lone wolf for so long, he's wary of being drawn towards someone so important to their pack, Symon being next alpha in line to lead. It's a fairly quick story with the setup being given for what will be coming across the series and I'll be interested to see how things unfold. There's the remaining mystery as to the reasoning behind the attacks and then to see who will be matched up with Symon's two brothers, Rian, another alpha, and Quin, an omega who owns a biker bar and has no problem standing up for others. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I really enjoyed this start to a new world of shifters. I love when shifters have traits from their animal sides in their day to day life; it adds so much to characters especially when they either fight against those traits or try to control them. Symon made for an intriguing alpha wolf. He’s so focused on control and not giving into his beast but he can’t get away entirely from the inherent elements of a dominant wolf so he spends his time taking over businesses and making them flourish. I loved how he met Aiden in a way that let him be a saviour but didn’t diminish Aiden’s strength or willingness to stand up for others. Yes, Aiden may be an omega but he’s strong and protects those he cares about. I love that this author always does that for their omega characters - they are strong characters with layers and an ability to fight and stand up for themselves. The whole background plot was interesting and I presume will continues across the three brothers’ books. I’m interested to see where it goes because whilst corporate skulduggery isn’t my favourite for primary plots in mysteries/crime (I find it a bit dry) I enjoyed it as a secondary plot here (just enough intrigue without being distracting). Can’t wait for the next one!
Minerva Howe does great dragons. Some of the best out there. This book is more reminiscent of Julia Talbot's Nose to Tail and Apex Predators series(s). Both series I really loved. And it would fit in well with the Bloodrose /Cereus books, too. But whether Howe or Talbot, this book is great. Symon is an alpha werewolf who craves control in all things. He buys a Boulder tech company and at a disastrous employee meet and greet, finds his omega. Adrian is a geeky computer coder and a lone wolf. Computer hacking and an apartment fire bring the two together in Symon's home. There's instant attraction and no denying fate. Symon wants to protect his mate with all he has, and Adrian wants the same. Their chemistry is hot, but it's also sweet and caring. Howe also gives us a found pack family and wonderful secondary characters. And a bit of a mystery which will be resolved in a later book. The cliffhanger ending feels very abrupt. Not a fan of them. It's not as if I'm not going to go out and get the next book. Howe or Talbot are an automatic read for me. Quick, fun read. Can't wait for book two. And Howe has given no hint on who is next. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.
I was recommended this book, so of cause I had to read it. Symon has tried to damp down his wolf, which even though it was explained why, I did not understand as not all wolves are bad. However he could not fight his wolf when he finds his fated mate at his latest business takeover. Adrian is a feisty omega who I liked straight away, highly intelligent and not afraid to stand up for himself and others. This was a quick read whilst we follow Symon and Adrian as they begin their relationship all whilst they are trying to find out who is behind the corporate espionage. Throughout the story we are introduced to some intriguing characters including Symon's brothers Rian and Quin, bodyguard Cy, manservant and friend Stan, who's backstory I am eager to find out more and Adrian's best friend a kitty with claws Isaac, all these I would love to have stories about. Whilst Symon and Adrian's story was complete, the mystery of who is behind all the criminal activity does end on a cliffhanger. However as I am writing this review I have noticed I have not long to wait till the 2nd in the series and Rian's story is due out. A relaxing and fun read
Symon is a different portrayal of an alpha. Though the next in line to head the Boulder River pack he avoids hunting now since he'd fought his brothers, his family, his pack. Now he engages in the inner peace that yoga offers his soul. As far as a "mate" he doesn't see the need for one. That is until he buys out the previous owner of Shifter.com (lycans can meet each other online) and gets literally drenched in food and drink at the meet-and-greet affair by the cutest and clumsiest omega wolf Adrian. Thus begins an engaging first book in a new series. A book of business trickery, espionage, family: lawyerly Rian, hard ass Quin, alpha father Thomas & marvelous secondary characters; like Pallas cat Isaac, fox Helene, and turned werewolf Stan. There is a kinda satisfying ending with a culprit jailed but the intrigue will be continued in any following books. I look forward to what's in store for the brothers, etc. This is my voluntary review for the ARC I received for my honest opinion.
4.5 stars For a quick read, this book managed to get all the necessary details in - background on MC's, a decent, fast paced storyline, an equally fast developing relationship for Adrian and Symon, which is to be expected for shifters once they meet their mate, awesome secondary characters that add depth to the story, and a sweet HEA for our MC'S, but with more to come as the threat and whoever is behind it are still unknown. Symon prefers to be civilized, not letting his wolf control him, but meeting Adrian brings his more wolfy attributes to the surface, and learns to embrace both sides of himself. Adrian is a total geek and very tech savvy, but he shows a sassy and bossy side once he begins to bond with Symon. An unknown threat, awesome, supportive family and friends, some levity mixed in, and two MC's with intense chemistry who connect almost instantly, and find love and HEA. This book is a great start to a new series. I would recommend it.
I received an ARC from GRR, this is my honest opinion.
This story has everything! Adrian, is a lone wolf comfortable with computers rather than humans or wolves. All he needs is his computers and his cat, his bestie. Symon, takes over Shifter Inc and is attracted to his employee, Adrian. He considers himself a sophisticated, business oriented executive liking the finer things in life.His two brothers who prefer being in wolf forms, are no slouches in business. Adrian, is no pushover, he stands up for himself and makes an ememy. There is a bit of workplace drama then there are coding problems during the developmen, that requiresome forensic analysis.We get a bit of intrigue and mystery on the who and why while Adriana and Symon work together to solve the problems and get to know each other at the same time. The author, does her usual building a world and characters that are interesting, enjoyable, likeable with a bit of intrigue on how to keep everyone safe and prosperous. Delightful. Nice cover art! Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Symon knows he is considered a corporate raider but he has only good things in mind for Shiftr Inc. He is surprised at his reaction when he meets Adrian, a coder. Adrian likes what he does and is very good at it. He has friend, Isaac, who is a Pallas cat. Otherwise, he is a loner, making him unsure how to handle his attraction to Symon. When the company comes under attack, the two bond in their battle to save the company and to survive Symon’s family.
Werewolf in Shining Armor introduces us to an amazing cast of characters. Symon and Adrian are fantastic together and work asone to find out who is behind the attack on the company and on them. Symon’s brothers are a lively group of individuals with intriguing personalities but to them family and pack are very important. Another phenomenal series by Minerva Howe, the next book in Werewolf Knights will be anxiously awaited. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this is my unbiased opinion.
I love Minerva Howe’s dragon books, so I was very excited to see a werewolf shifter series from her. Werewolf in Shining Armor opens with millionaire CEO Symon just recently purchasing a social media platform called Shiftr.com.
While meeting his employees, he’s introduced to omega wolf Adrian who is more comfortable behind the screen than with people. Adrian is a lone wolf who shies away from packs (though we are never really told why). Symon is an alpha who likes to be in control.
Loved the three brothers (Symon, Roan, and Quincy). I look forward to getting everyone’s story. Stan is fascinating to me. I love that Symon helped him after his attack and makes sure that he is comfortable. It’s almost like he’s another brother, so I definitely hope that he finds his own person one day. I would love to see the person who could protect him. Isaac and Cy were cute as well.
This was a great start and I cannot wait to read the next one.
This was a quick read that introduced us to the world of Shiftr an app for the Shifter Community to connect in a safe space. Symon acquired the company from bunny shifters and he is in the process of working on being a calm werewolf shifter. He has crazy brothers and his father is the Alpha. Then enter the lone wolf omega who is Symon's opposites who works at Shiftr improving the interface and that's where he wants to stay. An event leads to major drama and begins to unravel the "easy" takeover. In the process we discover that two opposites can make the best of mates and are willing to go the distance to protect what they have found. There are so many different shifters and secondary characters that deserve their own HEA or HFA as we do have a series cliffhanger. This was a new author to me and I am excited to see what else is to come!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A new shifter series from Minerva Howe? Sign me up instantly. This is the first instalment in a new omegaverse involving wolves, Werewolf Knights, with, incidentally, a droolworthy cover. In this world we meet a myriad of shifters but our heroes in this case are both wolves. Symon and Adrian were both quite happy with their single lives until, that is, lady fate takes a hand. I loved both our MCs from the start and Symon’s family are a real hoot. There are also some lovable side characters including Adrian’s bestie, Isaac, who is a Pallas cat so it shouldn’t work but it totally does. This is not a long book and I read it in one sitting, cwtched up against a dreary late spring day. Looking forward to more in this series and to moving nearer to finding out just what the bad guys are after.
I don't read paranormal very often, but this cover and title caught my eye and I couldn't resist. I believe this author is also new to me.
I really enjoyed this first book in what I assume (hope) will be a series. The opposites-attract MCs have great chemistry. The secondary characters have piqued my interest and I want to read their stories! The non-romance part of the plot involves a business buyout, corporate sabotage, and more that is only partially resolved.
Not a spoiler below since this is a romance.
I consider this an HEA. Sorry if I'm over thinking it. Spending too much time on social media talking about my dislike of cliffhangers. I also love a good series and an overarching plot that threads through the books is my catnip. Just no romantic cliffhangers are welcome in my book world.
Adrian was a lone, lonely, wolf shifter techie working for the company that created the Shiftr dating app. As a wolf with no pack, he kept his head down, stayed to himself and did his job—namely writing the code for the online app.
Symon, an alpha wolf, interested in making the same opportunities available for shifters as they were for humans, purchased the company with plans for improvements but problems plagued the new company from day one.
I loved this book! Symon was such a sweetheart of an alpha for Adrian who, due to being a lone omega wolf with no pack, had no hope of finding his own alpha or ever experiencing an alpha’s protection. My favorite part was that there was no third act breakup, just sweet with plenty of heat throughout. 5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A pretty typical shifter fated mates book with a guy who buys a dating app and realizes that his mate is the IT expert behind everything. But now someone seems to be trying to sabotage the company, maybe the asshole who got fired? This has Omegas but I'm not sure there is mpreg down the road. That's not my thing but the other parts (self-lubing, knots, etc.) I'm fine with.
I would have liked more background, why Symon is so determined not to embrace his wolfy side and come across as civilized and why Adrian is a lone wolf. He mentions his family but not really details.
So it was a fun read, and what I expected from the author. It's interesting that shifters seem to be more or less open and there are all kinds (bunnies, etc.) so it's nice for the difference. Of course Symon has two brothers who will get their mates in following books.
Symon is a businessman and alpha wolf who purchased Shiftr inc. he organized a meet and greet to meet all of his employees. Adrian is an omega wolf who works in coding and his manager came to him saying he needed to go. When his friend Isaac went to get more food, he is almost tripped by one of the salesmen. He is furious and lets the their one know to leave his friend alone. He meets Symon who also steps in and later fires the salesman. When things start to happen with the coding, Symon realizes that someone is after Adrian. That is when the story starts with realizing that Adrian is his mate and wants to protect him. Great world building, high heat and chemistry. Cannot wait to see what happens next.
Werewolf in Shining Armor is a great start to a new series with intriguing characters, an interesting storyline and I really enjoyed it. Symon and Adrian have an instant connection as well as sizzling hot chemistry and I love how their relationship develops even though it happens very quickly. They are perfect for each other but they have a lot to deal with when someone goes after Symon's new company and Adrian. Luckily they have Symon's brothers and other pack members to help them deal with the threat. This well written, fast paced story is a fun read, I liked the secondary characters and I look forward to reading the next book in this exciting new series.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I loved this book! The first in a great new series, the story of Symon and Adrian is an absolute must read! Symon buys the company Adrian works for and it isn’t long before the sparks fly! Both professional and personally! Symon will have to fire someone who is bullying other employees and it will come back to be a problem. Adrian, who turns out to be Symon’s mate, is a brilliant code writer and it’s his code that’s under attack. They will have to take the time to find the guilty party all while trying to forge their mate bond. Add in Symon’s wild family and his wonderful assistant Stan and you get a very enjoyable story that has a happy ending!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Now, I do enjoy Minerva Howe's dragon books, don't get me wrong, but her wolves just really shine for me.
I absolutely loved this book; Symon captivated me from the get-go, and Adrien was one of my favorite Howe characters to date. Adrien, despite being an Omega, is strong, smart, and just utterly sweet. I loved his dynamic with Symon, and how he didn't just become a meek omega whose only purpose was making babies for his mate. But what I really loved was the suspense and mystery of who was trying to hack Shftr - I was kept guessing for a fair while, which was really nice cause sometimea the romance overwhelms the mystery, and what could have been a great book is just 'meh' So yeah, definitely a great read, and I'm excited for the next one!
I am a fan of this author and was thrilled to see another book. This story follows Symon, a wolf shifter alpha with a strong pack and destined position and Adrian a lone wolf. Both of these men have back stories that were compelling and explained how they were simply perfect for one another. Both having faced adversity and succeeding, though a bit damaged, it played well into building their mutual trust, understanding and love. There is a bit of tension, a mystery saboteur, and I am hoping an overarching theme with future stories for the brothers. This author always gives a good back story, and leaves me wanting more from the characters. These are not huge books, and great for a night of reading. Overall Good read.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The start of this book seemed fairly jumbled to me… or maybe I just need to practice more yoga so I can focus, as Symon was attempting to do. Still, it took me a bit to get into it, but partway through I was captivated. I was drawn in by the drama, the suspense and the spice.
I like when a central storyline is unveiled throughout a series, especially when each book in the series covers a full relationship for its main characters without a cliffhanger in each individual relationship. A bunch of complete mini stories that form a complete big story is the best.
Adrian and Symon are great, and they are surrounded by great supporting characters. I’m looking forward to the next revelation.
I love Minerva Howe’s stories. She is returning to the wolves! I enjoyed this story immensely. Adrian works at the tech company Symon just took over. Their spark is immediate and intense and oh so steamy. Let’s be honest. We know they are mates! It just took them a bit to figure it out with the people acting out over the company buyout. I loved both of these characters! Symon is trying to prove he is more than just his wolfy instincts and Adrian is determined to do everything alone. Neither one has the best idea because they are honestly perfect when they work within the pack. Found family and pack mates for the win!